What about us?!

[Minasmom1]

I just "stole" a post on Facebook from someone about this amazing girl with Down Syndrome accomplishing some amazing things. I love to show that there is such great potential to live happy lives, and I love happy endings. However I do have a couple of concerns. When we post stories like this, the goal is to get others to see the "normalcy" of people with DS, to get them to accept our kiddos and adults with the diagnosis.  However, what about those of us with kids who may not be the "stars" of DS? If the goal is to gain acceptance, shouldn't we be trying to get those who aren't so "normal" to be accepted as well? My Mina may never be Karen Gaffney, Chris Burke, the man from Secret Life.., this young lady in the article, or the couples who have gotten married in the media. Those of us with kids who are not "amazing" in the eyes of society are hidden away here in the silence, and I have had more than one mother say in reference to all of the "achieving" children on the support forums that "this is why they don't post much." I sometimes think that there is a large number of less "functioning" children out there that nobody really knows much about because their parents feel isolated. We need to be heard and we need to get out to society that those who "aren't as normal" are to be accepted and cherished too. So the next time someone seems timid or seems to "not post much," that may be the person who needs support the most.

[Lisa009]

Nov. 10, 2009 at 3:54 AM

Hi Julie,

You know I don't have the first hand experience you do but do know your situation in many respects. So I speak only from second hand. I know parents with special needs children face many extra challenges.

But it seems to me the emphasis in sharing with others would be on appreciating a child regardless of what their abilities are. All children are made in God's image and very special. Life is special and sacred. Maybe the thrust would be more general in the sense of helping people to see that all life is precious regardless of the achievements. Just being the sweet child that Mina is ... is awesome. I know that Mina has had her own achievements and I rejoice in those with you and pray for further developments. But I know how special she is to all of you regardless of what she achieves.

Big hug!  :-)

Lisa